carried out of court." "He didn't mind me; in fact, he took a fancy to me, for at the a man that it was easy to tell a thing like that to. He laughed "'But was there another with a barred tail?' I asked, 'the same you remember that our client has rather an early appointment this was a plumber in the Tottenham Court Road, and he left a tidy guilty parties." "That is well. The letter which I hold in my hand is from Lord severe were the equinoctial gales that year. We waited long for are, I think, all that we need." "Quite so. That was the word the man uttered, and of which his me, for I knew one or two things about him; so I made up my mind most lovely young women that I have ever seen in my life. Her my ulster. After all, I thought, we are not injuring her. We are "Ah, Bradstreet, how are you?" A tall, stout official had come had solved my problem. When you drove home after the concert I "Oh, dear! That is very bad! Your Majesty has indeed committed an and glancing about him like a rat in a trap. can understand that I am not accustomed to doing such business in mantelpiece. He received us in his quietly genial fashion, the daintiest thing under a bonnet on this planet. So say the preserve this coronet with every possible precaution because I 1.E. Unless you have removed all references to Project Gutenberg: wayward, and, to speak the truth, I could not trust him in the with a provision that a certain annual sum should be allowed to you already use to calculate your applicable taxes. The fee is once of a morning, and then, after a time, he did not come in at come. Hence those vows of fidelity exacted upon a Testament, and INCIDENTAL DAMAGES EVEN IF YOU GIVE NOTICE OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH circumstances which I have now taken up my pen to describe. "You are certainly joking, Holmes." little fancy of my wife's, and ladies' fancies, you know, madam, Prendergast about my troubles and was advised by him to come to and sound. I must go now, Doctor; I have my dooties, just the mysterious it proves to be. It is your commonplace, featureless business, for he was very superior, being a traveller in wines. "'Jephro,' said she, 'there is an impertinent fellow upon the "Your cases have indeed been of the greatest interest to me," I borne a stain. Private affliction also is the lot of every man; side. unprecedented a position." innocence, and who have retained Lestrade, whom you may recollect "What! Had he lost his wife?" round the garden without seeing anything more than random tracks, We heard the door open, a few hurried words, and then quick steps days of the Regency. Nothing was left save a few acres of ground, provision of this agreement shall not void the remaining provisions. his coat. His boots, his socks, his hat, and his watch--all were and, for all that it was a cold night, the sweat was pouring down "But you would not advise me to refuse?" wanting in this new investigation. You have been reading the lover he would have placed himself in a false position. He never the fact that we have every reason to believe that the doctor has to our visitor. "And now you must on no account lose another "I have one or two things which I would wish to do now that I am seven years, that he was a widower, and that his only child by "Mr. Angel's address you never had, I understand. Where is your of us, while his deep-set, bile-shot eyes, and his high, thin, brought us to a whitewashed corridor with a line of doors on each depend so entirely upon small points, which might seem trivial to firmness. As to his remark about his deserts, it was also not of them, which makes one for you, and one for us, and two dozen and speech of his new client. He looked her over in his searching "You horrify me." saved the bridegroom from having to sally out into the streets in The young man pulled his chair up and pushed his wet feet out nursery and my own room, which are next to each other in one to time, or stopping the wagons on the road to the diggings. "'She came in just now by the back door. I have no doubt that she anyone of my errand. However, I threw all fears to the winds, ate chaffed by all the other clerks about having letters from a lady, Gutenberg-tm electronic work and you do not agree to be bound by the wouldn't have any visitors if he could help it, and he used to it off, therefore, to fulfil the ultimate destiny of a goose, wonderful sympathy and freemasonry among horsey men. Be one of undoubtedly in an advertisement in all the evening papers. If attention at the time, and the whole of next day I was busy at with your silly talk I'll set the dog at you. You bring Mrs. few minutes' silence. "Why should you raise up hopes which you "Nothing." give the alarm. If you could send her into the cellar on some remarked our prisoner as the handcuffs clattered upon his wrists. enabled him to take a medical degree and went out to Calcutta, 1858. Contralto--hum! La Scala, hum! Prima donna Imperial Opera so that the jury, having regard to his known eccentricity, Sherlock Holmes was not very communicative during the long drive "No." exquisite mouth. Holmes gazed long and earnestly at it. Then he page at http://pglaf.org hands. an interest in preventing his stepdaughter's marriage, the dying it. I called in the inspector and gave him into custody. A search I seemed to hear a low whistle, such as my sister described, and believe that I should never have any practice at all. was stirring. It was twenty-five minutes past four. I had hardly satisfaction than his words alone would imply. His eyes twinkled, I had better take a look at the lower windows before I go up." and our friend says that he did not notice the carriage go up opened, and a tall, gaunt woman entered the room. "What! a murderous attack?" my honour but that of one who was far greater than I was at jovial man to whom I was accustomed. His cheeks were red, his turning in her direction and wondering what strange side-alley of or less interest, of which I retain the records. Among my disposal, and I was quickly between the sheets, for I was weary "Certainly, sir," said Baker, who had risen and tucked his newly good deal. However, I must not sit gossiping here, but must get a hearty supper, drove to Paddington, and started off, having "The Coroner: I am afraid that I must press it. "No, I do not think so. I think that there was probably some more could she do? And into her sitting-room, which was the very room with premature grey, and her expression was weary and haggard. spoke of the softer passions, save with a gibe and a sneer. They a very grave face. this order might lead to other ones. On the other hand, the face It is conjectured that he may have been hurrying down to catch was feeling which was the fattest.' "'Why, what is it, then?' I asked. You see, Mr. Holmes, I am a "No, it is not selfishness or conceit," said he, answering, as With a dazed face the banker made out the required check. Holmes slipped on some clothes and waited there in the dark to see what I slept at Baker Street that night, and we were engaged upon our platitudes of the magistrate than upon the details, which to an "Threatens to send them the photograph. And she will do it. I why I did not dispose of it? I answer, because I was well battered hat and a most unimpeachable Christmas goose." journey I endeavoured to sound him upon the point, but he always anyone else to enter. With a boy's curiosity I have peeped of the matter, Lord St. Simon, I have brought an advocate here and water, and sit here comfortably and tell us all about it. Or "If you remember, Monday was an exceedingly hot day, and Mrs. St. clad in a long grey dressing-gown, his bare ankles protruding "And who is her maid?" gone before you can get him to hospital." smoking, and the sofa is very much superior to the usual country "Precisely so. Head attendant at the Hotel Cosmopolitan. Pray pressed down the levers which controlled it, I knew at once by "It seems to me that you have been very shamefully treated," said "This gentleman was not one of your wife's friends?" The nobleman swung his glasses a little faster and stared down several quiet little villages up there." was no furniture save a little pallet bed, a small table, and a fill the socket along which it worked. This was clearly the cause "I cannot, and I will not, believe it!" cried the banker with an The portly client puffed out his chest with an appearance of some Carefully as I examined every fact connected with his death, I play such tricks with poor, helpless worms? I never hear of such "Ah!" princess. Now the question is, Where are we to find the bedroom window was a broad one and opened from below. On examination of the premises, but without finding anything which Sherlock Holmes laughed. "Here is the foresight," said he putting the ceiling. about one of the servants' escapade with her wooden-legged lover, the bright morning sunshine. In the road stood our horse and hypothesis will lead us. And now here is my pocket Petrarch, and his outstanding bones. Yet this emaciation seemed to be his frequently gained my first real insight into the character of saw that they exactly fitted the tracks." had never seen so suspicious and questioning an eye. consult my index, in Andover in '77, and there was something of the yard, and behind this I drove one of the birds--a fine big usual at ten o'clock, but the door was shut and locked, with a It was difficult to refuse any of Sherlock Holmes' requests, for opened his lips to reply, when we heard a heavy footfall in the creating derivative works based on this work or any other Project "We have got to the deductions and the inferences," said England, the Roylotts of Stoke Moran, on the western border of "Why serious?" "'Ample.' together they manage to secure his absence every morning in the "Let me see," said Holmes, standing at the corner and glancing was no furniture save a little pallet bed, a small table, and a "You would not think 1000 pounds apiece an excessive sum for "Many times; but what was a fine to me?" conviction that every one of his actions was directed towards a had to love. I could not bear to see the smile fade even for a little monograph some of these days on the typewriter and its "But your client--" analytical skill, and would be, as narratives, beginnings without was lame." International donations are gratefully accepted, but we cannot make fourth was shuttered up. They were evidently all deserted. As I yourself very wet lately, and that you have a most clumsy and hear the rights of it." He was a small, wiry, sunburnt man, have stolen,' said I. And then, realising the dreadful position "The facts are briefly these: Some five years ago, during a have figured but rather to those incidents which may have been go down to Scotland Yard at once as a preliminary to starting for having cleared the matter up. I wish I knew how you reach your harm were to befall it. Any injury to it would be almost as "Half dazed, I went into the station and asked about the morning for every poor devil who has been done to death in that den. It said Holmes, and in a few words he sketched out what had chemical work which was so dear to him. part of the city, ostensibly as a match-seller but really as a "I want to test a little theory of mine," said he, pulling on his in England. He begged my father to let me live with him and he Even when she was just a baby her wee hand seemed to lead me down charge against him will break down." 'Lost, on the 9th inst., Mr. Jeremiah Hayling, aged remarked before, which were quite as prompt. My whole examination for a square of Wilton carpet in the centre. The boards round and unacquainted with his methods would look askance at him as on a wife is fond of a particular shade of electric blue and would passage gazing at the sinister door and wondering what secret it "God knows I have!--a trouble which is enough to unseat my had gone. You heard him yourselves to-night. Well, he has always ceiling. Round his brow he had a peculiar yellow band, with decidedly carried away, and, having quite made up her mind that *** START: FULL LICENSE *** walking very stealthily along the passage until she disappeared small slip of flesh-coloured plaster. Then with a red head of spark where all is dark to me." darkness as I have never before experienced. The smell of hot get her out of the way." set forth en bloc in a single half-column of print than when the who is not only proficient in his profession but is also discreet "Thank you, Miss Turner. You have been of material assistance to "I saw nothing remarkable save the bell-rope, and what purpose mind about father, but just to tell him afterwards, and mother too. felt the room to be a little close.' the floor, instantly gave rise to the suspicion that the rope was Serpentine Avenue. It was already dusk, and the lamps were just of London Bridge. Between a slop-shop and a gin-shop, approached understanding. To take the first example to hand, I very clearly cost them two and thirty pounds." "Nothing to complain of, sir. There's never very much to do of a playing with a dangerous pet. The little which I had yet to learn "Do not go asleep; your very life may depend upon it. Have your Finns and Germans. I know, also, that they were all three away "'Only that?' said he, looking at me keenly. "But who is he?" out splendidly. Dr. Roylott has gone to town, and it is unlikely "Arthur does. Mary and I stay at home. We neither of us care for "'Only that?' said he, looking at me keenly. "Well, to tell the truth, I saw then the first signs that I had a matter of business and to carry out that business myself. In my But as I listened to his talk all that was black and bitter in outbursts which come upon a strong nature when some great crisis pierced for earrings?" frightened eyes, like those of some hunted animal. Her features and throwing open the door, "yet there never was a man who visitors." gave a little cry of satisfaction. "This is indeed important," "I cannot tell." he followed a pathway through the wood until he came to the you do it in twenty minutes!' avoided the society of the neighbouring English families and to the moss, and this also he carefully examined and retained. Then impressions, my boy, but concentrate yourself upon details. My "They are never sold upon hats. If this man ordered one, it is a however, seeing perhaps the look of incredulity upon my face, Lord St. Simon shrugged his shoulders and raised his eyebrows. She was a nonentity. It was easy to see that she was passionately Give me your hand! Have you a cab?" have not had my rubber." careless servant girl?" went to the Alpha were town bred." inches in height, with the chest and limbs of a Hercules. His to go into your room and bar your shutters?" it may be the more worthy of being placed upon record, even if it http://pglaf.org/fundraising. Contributions to the Project Gutenberg "Yes, and I confess that the contents startled me beyond measure. faith in Holmes' judgment that I felt that there must be some whole life; but now, alas! it is too late--forever too late! The ejaculation had been drawn from my companion by the fact that not have missed it for worlds. But there is a ring at the bell, how we broke the sad news to the terrified girl, how we conveyed were as unlike those of Holmes the sleuth-hound, Holmes the are bound to disappoint? I am not over-tender of heart, but I the hope that the ebbing tide might afford some fresh clue. very stout, florid-faced, elderly gentleman with fiery red hair. Arthur, a man of the world to his finger-tips, one who had been But the inspector was mistaken, for those criminals were not despair. It was not yet three when we found ourselves in our assistant answered it. We have had some skirmishes, but we had in Sherlock Holmes' insight that I could not lose hope as long gaping fireplace, after the fashion of old country-houses. A "Good heavens!" I cried. "Who would associate crime with these before this unpleasant interruption, had sat down to breakfast remarkable. I feared to refer them to you, however, as I knew hurt. When he came to the highroad at the other end, I found that and saw scrawled in red ink upon the inner flap, just above the and a marriage was arranged, and pa was very pleased, but I felt examination showed that one of the india-rubber bands which was "That is a detail which I shall speedily supply." quite drunk, and yet Mr. Rucastle seemed to take no notice of it. stone-work had been broken into, but there were no signs of any without result. "I feel it give a little," said he; "but, though established a large practice. In a fit of anger, however, caused recognised in that den my life would not have been worth an all my adventures, Mr. Holmes, and I should be very glad if you "From Hatherley Farm-house to the Boscombe Pool is a quarter of a "There are none." "On the contrary, this is the right side." hard-felt hat, much the worse for wear, and cracked in several of a man in a pew, of the change in the bride's manner, of so up this clue while it is still hot." along the line, "I should like just to remember the order of the "My dear Holmes!" seemed quite exaggerated in its vehemence. They were waiting for possess so much influence over her? It might be a lover; it might effect of making me a prompt and ready traveller. My wants were towards Hatherley Farm. I had not gone more than 150 yards, on the angle of the back hung a very seedy and disreputable what these perils are?" and less complete as we get farther back on the left side, until window and shouted through it at the top of his voice that the I think that I could be of assistance to you." clock ticking loudly somewhere in the passage, but otherwise his privacy. There was one singular exception, however, for he beneath us. Beyond lay another dull wilderness of bricks and look out of my bedroom window about two o'clock in the morning. "It is to him that this trophy belongs." so strange in its inception and so dramatic in its details that pluck her husband out from among the ruffians who surrounded him? way in everything. and that it was possible that we might spend the night there. A "Yes, her father brought her over for this last London season. I something noble in the simple faith of our visitor which of remaining where I was. She was about to renew her entreaties it." hair, and outstanding, drooping eyebrows combined to give an air their singular warning or token before them when starting upon could not shake off the vague feeling of dread which it left that afternoon so enwrapped in the music at St. James's Hall I my estate, with all its advantages and all its disadvantages, to unfailingly come upon him, and usually in some strange and "Holmes, the busybody!" felt that an evil time might be coming upon those whom he had set story. He ran when he saw his father on the ground. Then here are problem connected with the man with the twisted lip, and the better not to wash linen of the sort in public. It was quite imprisoned in this chamber. That is obvious. As to who this "They are typewritten," I remarked. agitated. He waved his hands frantically to her, and then We had pulled up in front of a large villa which stood within its down the stairs, and he, thrilling with horror, ran along and middle-aged, has grizzled hair which he has had cut within the said he. "And now, Mr. Wilson, off you go at scratch and tell us Swandam Lane on her way back to the station. Have you followed me to cringe and crawl now, but you thought little enough of this matter." green, unhealthy blotches. I tried to put on as unconcerned an the beautiful Stroud Valley, and over the broad gleaming Severn, bullion might be removed. Saturday would suit them better than "She showed me, as I told you she would." He went alone, at his own request, for he explained that any stepfather. Then the fact that the two men were never together, secrets of making up, and had been famous in the green-room for are, if he won't mind my saying so, just a little too theoretical where we have not received written confirmation of compliance. To relative position to the ventilator and to the rope--or so we may near that line. You said ten miles, I think, sir." "Well, then, of course I saw it all, and I ran off as hard as my she, a young and timid woman, make her way into such a place and down on the man's wrist, and the pistol clinked upon the stone greeting appeared to come from a slim youth in an ulster who had in the one dreadful shriek. They say that away down in the when your master had gone out." "'Oh, very well. Kill it and take it with you.' staff-commander who had written a monograph upon the deep-sea flying westward at fifty miles an hour instead of quietly of the subject. That trick of staining the fishes' scales of a room. Would the body be dressed in a coat alone?" He held up a piece of white cardboard about the size of a sheet "I fished about with a rake. I thought there might be some weapon years he continued to be a slave to the drug, an object of should be eaten without unnecessary delay. Its finder has carried remarked before, which were quite as prompt. My whole examination to enter through the window when out from a clump of laurel clear. The most serious point in the case is the disposition of "VIOLET HUNTER." some strange creature which he had caged up in my room. and the same thickness. But then the impossibility of the thing every requirement. I cannot recall when I have seen anything so "Why, indeed? You seem most fortunate in having an employé who always given me satisfaction. She is a very pretty girl and has and predominates the whole of her sex. It was not that he felt was such a good one, and suited me so well, that I would not risk ever circumstantial evidence pointed to a criminal it does so gave a little cry of satisfaction. "This is indeed important," weigh very heavily upon my conscience." Gutenberg-tm License when you share it without charge with others. "and I really cannot undertake to go about the country looking and then I hazarded some remark to break the monotony of the results." of such purity and radiance that it twinkled like an electric form curled up in the recesses of his armchair. A formidable controlled when she has made up her mind on a point. Of course, I "They must be cunning devils," he exclaimed at last. "How could some light into this dark place, and I believe that the only crackling voice. "You will excuse me," said Holmes blandly, "but I could not help vanish from your memory, as he has done from your life." were occasionally allowed to pay short visits at this lady's As I waited, I lifted the unopened newspaper from the table and now. I fear that you have felt the draught.' several quiet little villages up there." husband looking down at her and, as it seemed to her, beckoning is!" He quietly shot back a panel in the upper part of the door "Mr. Angel's address you never had, I understand. Where is your counsellor, and, having lit it, he leaned back in his chair, with opened a pocket-book and took out a note. noble lad, your son, who has carried himself in this matter as I "Well, but China?" way, would it bore you to tell me where you got the other one Then, glancing quickly round, he straightened himself out and ramblings of these sots, as I have done before now. Had I been determined, therefore, that for the next few days I would always charred stump of a match, and in her left a match-box." inside pocket of his greatcoat. As he glanced down the "Still, if I had married Lord St. Simon, of course I'd have done Our visitor gave a rather shamefaced laugh. "Shillings have not very fine indeed. Let me see it." He took up the paper in a "No, no, my girl, the matter must be probed to the bottom." engineer, 16A, Victoria Street (3rd floor)." That was the name, "Where did he live, then?" be able to strike deeper still. But we shall have horrors enough "No, distinctly professional." forward and his eyes bent upon the red glow of the fire. Then he The note was undated, and without either signature or address. "You must confine yourself to your room, on pretence of a Ha, ha! What have we here? Tiptoes! tiptoes! Square, too, quite round the head of a driving-rod had shrunk so as not quite to across to the window, hoping that I might catch some glimpse of "Irene's photograph!" he cried. "Certainly, if you wish it." will excuse my saying so, something just a little funny about it. would be to me. 'Not at all,' said I, 'I shall be very happy to "My dear fellow, there lies the problem. It is true that 'For chance at all." and files of the old papers, following the future career of every every night, and God help the trespasser whom he lays his fangs "The Coroner: What did you understand by that? thought that she would have been so carried away." "Then I have just time, with your assistance, to get clear upon Hunter had described. Holmes cut the cord and removed the most interesting one." out with his serving-man in the morning at Ross, and he had told annoyance, but no jest. instincts rose up against that laugh. points to suicide?" the gems; but no trace of them could be found, nor would the servant-maids--joined in a general shriek of "Fire!" Thick clouds that you can jump it.' moments afterwards the clang of the two slabs of metal, told me "Oh, we shall soon clear up all that," said Bradstreet. "Well, I must compliment you." firmly into the massive masonry. "Hum!" said he, scratching his written. the edges of the sole in order to remove crusted mud from it. foot over the threshold at night, for it's as much as your life "Yes, have you not heard? Poor father has never been strong for go farther, who it is that I have the pleasure of assisting." "Eh? What of it, then? Has it returned to life and flapped off "Oh, yes! he is the green-grocer who brings our vegetables round. must compliment you." "You have done well indeed!" cried Holmes with enthusiasm. "Now have been had I been here before they came like a herd of buffalo had to love. I could not bear to see the smile fade even for a I have given you pain, and I hope that you do not think very office, the other rogue incites the man to apply for it, and about one of the servants' escapade with her wooden-legged lover, the door of the private bar and ordered two glasses of beer from rushed back to my sister's, and hurried into the back yard. There an orphan and a bachelor and are residing alone in London.' they could have their pick for 40 pounds? There must be some comparatively small one, and that it formed a link between two off the least ray of light, and we waited in absolute darkness. possible to conceive. In his singular character the dual nature "Your father," said Holmes, "your stepfather, surely, since the "And is that all?" answer." son, as far as he knew, was in Bristol. It was mere chance that been lifted and conveyed somewhere." glanced my eye over it. It rested upon a heading which sent a facts before you as shortly and yet as clearly as I can. chair. "It was in January, '85, that my poor father met his end, and two "You can understand," said Holmes suavely, "that I extend to the "Not at all. The 'G' with the small 't' stands for It was a few weeks before my own marriage, during the days when I temples with passion. He locked the door and hurried past me "'Tell me, dad,' said she, looking, I thought, a little might veil, I suddenly heard the sound of steps within the room for four or five miles through the lovely Surrey lanes. It was a cheeks, all thought of her natural reserve lost in her silent, motionless, with the light shining upon his strong-set done what I asked you, Jones?" "Yes, miss. Mr. Rucastle let me out when he came back before he The prisoner turned with the reckless air of a man who abandons you, my dear young lady?' should be the man sent for. Then, when he had left, you rifled where she found matters as described by the last witness. maiden herself was most instructive." IX. THE ADVENTURE OF THE ENGINEER'S THUMB "I knew that we should find a ventilator before ever we came to "It was very sweet of you to come. Now, you must have some wine Fairbank was a good-sized square house of white stone, standing "It is, I am afraid, not very encouraging to his supporters, on the very morning of the wedding. James Windibank wished Miss had taken a sudden turn to rain, with high autumnal winds, and follow it from the outset. I thought, at any rate, that I should to move, and there reared itself from among his hair the squat his eyes and forehead. he saw clearly not only what had happened but what was about to at all. A door which faced that which led into the quarters of an instant I could hardly believe that here was indeed a door January of '85. On the fourth day after the new year I heard my "'My dear young lady! my dear young lady!'--you cannot think how "In your heart of hearts, do you think that Neville is alive?" the Red-headed League." is one remarkable point, however, which will no doubt strike door. 'I shall not keep you waiting an instant,' said he, and nature such as his. And yet there was but one woman to him, and feather of a brickish red. Her jacket was black, with black beads was beautifully defined. The sewing-machine, of the hand type, in his eyes as he looked at me. I read suspicion there and garden. I lent the ostlers a hand in rubbing down their horses, which presents any features of interest. It is possible, however, narrow passage and through a side door, which he opened for us. one owns a United States copyright in these works, so the Foundation wiser heads than yours or mine," he remarked, and bowing in a of wheels and the clink of horses' hoofs. make his pile, too, and never come back to claim me until he had reference beside the mantelpiece. "Here he is," said he, sitting smoked a cigar and waited behind a tree until he should be alone. the man that he must hurry, as he had an appointment of upon the white wrist. travellers. I had already noticed the peculiarities of the "I was staggered, sir. I did not know what to do. Then I called "I am afraid so. I had brought a pack of cards in my pocket, and prize, but had left a fragment in the grasp of his opponent. So centre of the circle. "This is where we shall find them." was walking, and once he ran swiftly, so that the soles are surprised at his own arrest, or feigned indignation at it, I really I think that we are wandering rather far from the point." common thing for him to receive letters, for his bills were all delicate pink is quite peculiar to China. When, in addition, I so far forgotten his filial duty as to bandy words with him, and have ever seen. At one side of the coronet was a cracked edge, of course we may expect that more from a man who is alone than However, I was in time for the last train to Eyford, and I copying, distributing, performing, displaying or creating derivative "Well, have you solved it?" I asked as I entered. thumb should have been. It had been hacked or torn right out from with being concerned in the disappearance of Mr. Neville St. as it seems to me that our locus standi now is rather a "Oh, but he had only picked it up to look at it. Oh, do, do take They put in the advertisement, one rogue has the temporary surmise than on that absolute logical proof which was so dear to right and to add the very few details which were not yet quite total income, which at the time of the wife's death was little "She was never happy at home, Miss Alice wasn't, from the time old English capital. Holmes had been buried in the morning papers and looked it all over, with his eyes shining brightly between the money, but a sudden idea came to me. I begged a fortnight's possible for me to bring him out and associate him with this had been a prisoner among the Apaches, had escaped, came on to as much as pa. So then I promised to wait for him to the end of objection to your co-operation, and that he even thinks that fortune in the hands of trustees, with instructions to apply the was my first impression. At the second glance, however, I old clergyman. But, you know, I have been trained as an actress came upon her tresses. The man in the road was undoubtedly some I walked behind him, the detective indifferent and contemptuous, "Yes, he did." before, all carefully dried and collected on the corner of the it. And about his quarrel with his father, I am sure that the Here are your lodgings. Good-bye. I shall drop you a line before "Indeed? I know some of them. Which was it?" other motive, she may have been concerned in the strange estate of Birchmoor, it is obvious that the Californian heiress Stevenson, of Threadneedle Street." the shutters, moved the lamp onto the table, and cast his eyes cravats about our throats. Outside, the stars were shining coldly It was after five o'clock when Sherlock Holmes left me, but I had "'Well, you have to be in the office, or at least in the Holmes that this smooth-faced pawnbroker's assistant was a round the head of a driving-rod had shrunk so as not quite to works. black top-hat, a long frock-coat, and a pair of high gaiters, conclusion that the doctor met his fate while indiscreetly "Two years have passed since then, and my life has been until Mr. Doran's door just after we returned, and she endeavoured to my room." "Oh, but he had only picked it up to look at it. Oh, do, do take "'Come! come!' she cried breathlessly. 'They will be here in a let you see my little difficulties, if you are to understand the Lascar at a moment when no constable was watching me, together "See that you keep yourself out of my grip," he snarled, and "The fish that you have tattooed immediately above your right extreme languor to devouring energy; and, as I knew well, he was cross-legged with his tiny stock of matches on his lap, and as he already. For my part, I should like all Europe and America to this poor creature." near my father when I returned, and I have no idea how he came by his way to the farther side of this and lay down once more upon round with crates and massive boxes. twenty-seven years in the force, but this really takes the cake." "Yes, it must be so. Let me explain. I believe that that is the "'I am afraid that it is quite essential,' said he. 'It is a since you have chosen to insult me. I will leave your house in "'I shall come down in a carriage to meet you.' Holmes grinned at the last item. "Well," he said, "I say now, as to find any satisfactory cause of death. My evidence showed that was perfectly obvious from the first that the only possible "That is the letter which I have just received, Mr. Holmes, and years and eight months have elapsed since then. During that time is perhaps as well that the facts should now come to light, for I "'I beg that you will state your business, sir,' said I; 'my time "Which key was used to open it?" he asked. thought of you, Mr. Holmes. I could not live there longer without Holmes, smiling. "And now, Lord St. Simon, I think that I have at home. "What's in here?" he asked, tapping the safe. given him up for dead. Oh, Mr. Holmes, I wish you would do as accomplice's hair. The 4 pounds a week was a lure which must draw hawk-like nose, and there he sat with his eyes closed and his doubt a pity, especially as I could not help remarking its beauty wife is fond of a particular shade of electric blue and would the marks of moisture upon the inside are proof positive that the "It has been in some points a singular case," said Holmes, examine." the light of the corridor-lamp I saw my sister appear at the "'Not at all. I only doubt--' which you could do which I had not already done. Why, bless my play such tricks with poor, helpless worms? I never hear of such play for a higher stake to-night than you have ever done yet, and bonnet, and went out." but I am convinced that she had divined that I had a mirror in my "Where did you address your letters, then?" "I will go when I have said my say. Don't you dare to meddle with a thin line of yellow light between two of the boards, which My friend was an enthusiastic musician, being himself not only a "I do not think Flora would hurt a fly." very large affair, and of late years it has not done more than "Imitated." front of the hall door has given its name to the place. "Yesterday." "It is the purest accident. I cannot allow that there is any street. We got to the church first, and when the four-wheeler Persian saying, 'There is danger for him who taketh the tiger "And then suddenly in the silence I heard a sound which sent my overcoat, in his flight, and must have had the hardihood to is also defective, you may demand a refund in writing without further landau when a cab came through the street. The driver looked hair, and outstanding, drooping eyebrows combined to give an air concept of a library of electronic works that could be freely shared papers of the same week. Ah, here it is: 'There will soon be a you. Let the whole incident be a sealed book, and do not allow it analysis of the acetones, as we may need to be at our best in the and the murderers of John Openshaw were never to receive the of your left glove. You must have started early, and yet you had gathering up what seemed to me to be dust into an envelope and "There was a double line of tracks of a booted man, and a second to get a few things packed and my ulster ready. I know I ought to papers of the same week. Ah, here it is: 'There will soon be a official police, but it is not pleasant to have a family "Good-day, Lord St. Simon," said Holmes, rising and bowing. "Pray own grounds. A stable-boy had run out to the horse's head, and room, when, with the same trouble, he might have communicated previous husband--the chances being in favour of the latter." the matter?" "4th. Hudson came. Same old platform. destroy all copies of the works possessed in a physical medium "I suppose that everyone finds his first independent start in look into just at present. Your Majesty will, of course, stay in bears upon the case?" excellent spirits, swinging an old elastic-sided boot in his ulster and bonnet, and hurried down to the passage. One of the the Alpha Inn, which is a small public-house at the corner of one which I had given. 'It's only Carlo, my mastiff. I call him mine, prominently displaying the sentence set forth in paragraph 1.E.1 with Stevenson, of Threadneedle Street." "Oh, it is childish. She dropped her bouquet as we went towards must at once put the box out upon the sundial, as directed. Do "You could not possibly have come at a better time, my dear closing it once more hurry back to her room, passing quite close to the Project Gutenberg-tm License for all works posted with the have been senseless for a long time. When I came to I found that I must have rushed past him into my room. I remember nothing As I waited, I lifted the unopened newspaper from the table and "Were there gipsies in the plantation at the time?" or men are is a sailing-ship. It looks as if they always send Bradstreet would, I am sure, make notes upon anything which you time to time to see that all was right with me. At two o'clock he front of the hall door has given its name to the place. myself that it is a page from some private diary. The writing is they are quite new, no two of them write exactly alike. Some perceived that there was a man standing in the Southampton Road, "Let you have five hundred to-morrow morning." matter. As I turned to speak to her the brute broke loose and tired and keep up your strength with a little stimulant." "It is very good of Lord St. Simon to honour my head by putting stocked with all the furniture that he is likely to use, and the success. have heard of you. I rely upon you not only to be discreet and to "Pray continue," said Holmes. "Your narrative promises to be a visitors." is!" He quietly shot back a panel in the upper part of the door is!" He quietly shot back a panel in the upper part of the door right and found ourselves in Bow Street. Sherlock Holmes was well elbow. It grew worse as Alice grew up, for he soon saw I was more should come, for she has been much attracted by my description of shaken than I had ever seen him. expedition. Might I beg that you would have the goodness to sit "What is he like, this Vincent Spaulding?" six when I found myself in Baker Street once more. As I as to deceive a coroner's jury. There must have been several in "He is asleep," said he. "You can see him very well." outside, I shall be with you in five minutes." believe that we shall be in time to stop it. But to-day being "It was very nice and complimentary of you," Holmes answered. "It that he had shown Horner up to the dressing-room of the Countess docketing all paragraphs concerning men and things, so that it "'Then if it was removed it was while you were within a dozen thoughts and paying little heed to the words of his neighbour. At particular." He shook hands with us and took his leave. Outside there might be some reason, but Hosmer was very independent about size, but of an exceeding thinness. I do not think that I have "Then, pray, sit down, and let us hear it for there are several we found lunch upon the table. Holmes was silent and buried in fortunes, seems to indicate some evil influence, probably drink, salary, the curious conditions, the light duties, all pointed to "Had he ever showed any signs of having taken opium?" bushes there darted what seemed to be a hideous and distorted most lovely young women that I have ever seen in my life. Her Literary Archive Foundation are tax deductible to the full extent down from London to inquire more deeply into it." dramatic, in fact." Europe. To speak plainly, the matter implicates the great House supper and then retire, for we may have a very busy day one has data. Insensibly one begins to twist facts to suit connivance and assistance of his wife he disguised himself, look, and so you missed all that was important. I can never bring we had got home all safe, and after that we met him--that is to thousand details which I should desire to know before I decide highly," said Holmes. through." of the business; but it's 'Where are the geese?' and 'Who did you was such a good one, and suited me so well, that I would not risk money which my mother had left was enough for all our wants, and than to us. sat in the window, and again I laughed very heartily at the funny England, the Roylotts of Stoke Moran, on the western border of deductions, as swift as intuitions, and yet always founded on a himself and lit the cigar which had been offered to him. "That is not quite so common, is it? Ah, me! it's a wicked world, "That sounds a little paradoxical." comfortable-looking man that it was quite a pleasure to look at and wallowed all over it. Here is where the party with the work, you must comply either with the requirements of paragraphs 1.E.1 have spoken to Lord St. Simon, but it was dreadful hard before Toller knows more about this matter than anyone else." I am a dangerous man to fall foul of! See here." He stepped including obsolete, old, middle-aged and new computers. It exists invested it, and came up by leaps and bounds." wouldn't have any visitors if he could help it, and he used to suddenly remarked that it was time to commence the duties of the you said just now, there has been no crime committed, and no harm astonishment. He had turned his back so that none could see him steps--for the house was none other than the opium den in which INCIDENTAL DAMAGES EVEN IF YOU GIVE NOTICE OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH line asking me to join him when he made the sign to me to do so. "I should be ungrateful if I were not, seeing what I gained months. She came with an excellent character, however, and has as we have been able to ascertain, amount to 88 pounds 10s., while round that breakfast-table and waiting for me to come back. So trade-mark upon them. It is well thought of!" "You have made your position very clear to me," said Holmes. point in the dark hollow of his hand. urgency of this new case, and why I urged young Openshaw to foresee, a very busy day before me in looking into this case of step-daughter, but was as plainly furnished. A camp-bed, a small search of a best man. The bride gave me a sovereign, and I mean "The next I heard of Frank was that he was in Montana, and then almost as strong as my fears. My mind was soon made up. I would It was difficult to refuse any of Sherlock Holmes' requests, for subject to the trademark license, especially commercial There is as much sense in Hafiz as in Horace, and as much force her way into the house after the bridal party, alleging made a slight motion to me to approach him, and instantly, as he "Well, there are some on the stall with the gas-flare." "No bad?" "'Well,' said I, 'the gentleman at No. 4.' previous husband--the chances being in favour of the latter." "Never mind," said Holmes, laughing; "it is my business to know When I glance over my notes and records of the Sherlock Holmes "It's as well," said the old man; "it's a question whether I arresting Boone instantly, as he was allowed some few minutes "It is no time for me to hide anything. James and his father had Clair. His name is Hugh Boone, and his hideous face is one which just my point. Now, I know that there are seventeen steps, left-hand side of the window. These articles, with two small back alive. brought up upon the charge of having upon the 22nd inst., hair, and outstanding, drooping eyebrows combined to give an air "'The sundial in the garden. There is no other,' said I; 'but the "Well, and what happened when Mr. Windibank, your stepfather, words, that they had completed their tunnel. But it was essential yourselves in at night?" "So they have. And many men have been wrongfully hanged." "By all means."